Politics

Biden's glib remark propels Kopp's manager into spotlight

Kopp's manager says feedback has been positive

Ever since the vice president of the United States was caught on camera calling him a "smartass," Cedarburg resident Scott Borkin said his phone has been ringing and his Facebook page has filled with comments.

Monday morning, he's planning to head to Chicago to appear on the Fox News Network's "Fox & Friends" program.

"I've had a lot of people in shock, but not really that much in shock, because I guess he's been known to make those kinds of comments or put his foot in his mouth," said Borkin, 45, manager of the Kopp's Frozen Custard stand in Glendale where Vice President Joe Biden and U.S. Sen. Russ Feingold stopped in on Friday.

Biden's remark that so shocked people was prompted by an exchange picked up by a television crew at Kopp's on Friday.

"It was all just in fun," said Borkin, who called himself a Republican. "I was stating just a fact that everyone in America, Republican or Democrat, wants lower taxes."

This is not the first time that Borkin has encountered a vice president. Six years ago, he said, former Vice President Dick Cheney also visited the custard stand.

"We're Kopp's; we're an icon," said Borkin, who started working for the company when he was 14, making malts and shakes. "Famous people have stopped in throughout the years. . . . We're the first place they stop and the last place they stop before they leave."